Portion capsule having an identification on the outer periphery thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a portion capsule ( 1 ) for production of a beverage with a base element ( 2 ), having a cavity ( 3 ), in which a beverage raw material is provided and which is sealed by a membrane ( 4 ), which is fastened to the base element ( 2 ), wherein it has an identification ( 7 ), which enables the respective portion capsule to be individualised. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacture of a portion capsule and the use of the portion capsule for producing a beverage.

The present invention relates to a portion capsule for production of a beverage with a base element, having a cavity, in which a beverage raw material is provided and which is sealed by a membrane, which is fastened to the base element, wherein it has an identification, which enables the respective portion capsule to be individualised. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacture of a portion capsule and the use of the portion capsule for producing a beverage.

Such portion capsules are well known and are offered on the market in numerous versions and are used to produce coffee, espresso, cappuccino, tea, milk or chocolate beverages and also other beverages, or foods such as soups. To enable them to be produced in a machine, these capsules must all have the same external shape, for which the respective manufacturing methods differ. For example, the amount of water and or the temperature used for producing the respective beverage can differ. Furthermore, the water for the portion capsule can be passed continuously or intermittently through the portion capsule. The machines that are used for producing the respective beverage or food must be cleaned at regular intervals, for which cleaning capsules are available whose external dimensions are identical to the dimensions of the portion capsules and through which water also flows after it has been introduced into the machine to dissolve the cleaning substance from the capsules and cleaning the brewing chamber of the machine and the downstream piping. In doing so, it is essential to avoid a user, for example a child or a disabled adult, using the cleaning capsule to produce a beverage and then consume it.

Therefore it was the object of the present invention to make the portion capsule available which satisfies the above requirements.

The object is achieved with a portion capsule for production of a beverage with a base element, having a cavity in which a beverage raw material is provided, and which is sealed by a membrane, which is fastened to the base element, wherein it has an identification, which enables the respective portion capsule to be individualised, wherein the identification is provided on a film which is attached to the membrane and/or the base element.

The disclosure made on this subject of the present invention applies equally to other subjects of the present invention and vice-versa.

The present invention relates to a portion capsule for production of a beverage or food, having a cavity, in which a beverage raw material is provided. Such a portion capsule is made, for example, of plastic, a natural substance, and/or a biodegradable material, and has a base element, in particular formed, preferably deep-drawn or manufactured by injection, preferably having a truncated cone or cylindrical shape and a bottom. The cavity of the portion capsule is filled with a beverage raw material, which is extracted and/or dissolved, for example, by a liquid, in particular water. Preferably, the base element is sealed after it has been filled with the beverage raw material, in particular with a membrane. The membrane is preferably provided opposite the bottom of the base element. The membrane can be made from the same material as the base element or from a different material and is preferably fastened to the base element by sealing and/or adhesive bonding. The membrane can be designed to be gas- and/or liquid-tight or gas- and/or liquid-permeable. Furthermore, one or a plurality of insert elements, such as a filter, a liquid distributor, a fleece material, a felt, a protective foil and/or similar can be provided in the cavity. In the case where a felt and a fleece material are provided, these are preferably attached to one another. The felt and/or the fleece material can be multi-layered, wherein the layers can differ in the type of starting material used and/or its processing. The membrane and/or bottom can be provided with several openings (holes).

According to the invention, it is further provided that this portion capsule has an identification, which enables the respective portion capsule to be individualised.

Individualising within the meaning of the invention preferably means that the respective portion capsule can be associated with a group which is appropriate for the production of a beverage or a food or for cleaning of the machine. It is not necessary for the identification to disclose which portion capsule is especially involved, i.e. contains a serial number or batch number or the like, but only allows the classification of the respective portion capsule to a group of portion capsules, for example beverage/food portion or cleaning capsule. Preferably the identification additionally allows the differentiation between the individual beverages and/or type of food, for example that it is a capsule with which tea, coffee or a milk drink or the like or a soup can be produced.

Preferably, a sensor/detection means provided on a machine, for example a coffee machine, registers this identification and preferably compares it with a stored identification. Preferably, the machine, in particular its pressure pump providing water, is only put into operation when the detected identification coincides with the reference identification of a drink/food portion capsule. Otherwise the coffee machine is not put into operation, because it is suspected that a cleaning capsule is involved in which, for example, there is a cleaning agent. In this case, the machine can only be put into operation when previously a specific combination of keys on the control panel of the machine has been pressed, with which the user verifies that he knows that it is a cleaning capsule. This reliably prevents a cleaning capsule accidentally being used to produce a beverage.

The identification can alternatively or additionally be used to show that the coffee machine is running a specific program, i.e., for example, the water heats to a specific temperature, at which a specific pressure is available, and/or a specific amount of water passes through the portion capsule.

Alternatively or additionally, the identification is used for sorting materials from which the portion capsule is made for a later disposal and/or recycling process.

According to the invention, the identification is provided on and/or in a film, i.e. a foil, in particular a plastic foil, which preferably has an approval for contact with food, which is attached to the base element on its exterior after it has been manufactured by forming, for example by deep-drawing or by injection/injection moulding and/or while this is being manufactured by forming and/or by injection/injection moulding. Thus the identification can be applied to the film before it is attached to the base element of the portion capsule. This can then be attached to the portion capsule without damaging the identification or making the information content unreadable.

Preferably the bond between the base element and the film is made in a force-fitting and/or positive-locking manner, for example by shrinking a film ring onto the base element. Alternatively or in addition, there is a material bond between the base element of the film, for example by adhesive bonding or sealing.

Preferably, the identification is on the side facing the portion capsule, so that, after the provision of the foil on the membrane or the base element between the membrane or the base element, it is located between the membrane or the base element and the foil. The identification is thereby protected by the foil.

However, the identification can also be provided on the membrane, for example by attaching the foil on which the identification is provided to the membrane. Preferably, the identification is then located between two foil layers.

The foil on which the identification is provided can however also be one of a plurality of layers from which the membrane or the base element is manufactured. Preferably, the identification is then located between two foil layers.

Preferably, the foil is multi-layered and the identification is located particularly preferably between two foil layers. Preferably, the foil layer facing the observer is at least partly transparent. The layers of the foil is preferably bonded to each other by a material bond.

Preferably, the identification is applied by pressure on the foil or a layer of the foil, for example by printing or another application method.

According to a further or a preferred subject of the present invention, the identification is applied to the external surface of the base element or a membrane or between two foil layers of the membrane and/or the base element.

The disclosure made on this subject of the present invention is applicable to the other subjects of the present invention and vice-versa.

According to the invention or preferably, the identification is therefore applied to the membrane or the base element, for example as additional layer or intermediate layer. This layer is preferably ring-shaped or circular, therefore preferably provided only locally around the whole outer periphery of the base element and/or is preferably provided on the membrane as a circular ring or as a circle.

The identification can be applied, for example, with a nozzle or with a brush or by printing, in particular with a print roller or similar, for example on the external periphery of the base element or on the membrane or on a foil layer of the membrane and/or the base element.

Preferably, the portion capsule has a peripheral area and/or flange, which is provided on the base element and the identification is preferably provided on this peripheral area/flange, in particular on its underside, i.e. the side away from the membrane.

Preferably, the base element of the portion capsule has at least one ring, which in particular runs parallel to the bottom and/or the flange of portion capsule and which improves the force fit and/or positive locking fit between the film, which has the identification, and the base element of the portion capsule. Preferably, several parallel rings are provided.

Preferably, the film extends around the whole outer periphery of the base element, but particularly preferably not along its whole length. Preferably, the film is provided as cylindrical or truncated conical surface. The identification preferably extends around the whole in and/or outer periphery of the film. Preferably, the identification is provided as a circular ring.

Preferably, the identification comprises surface areas with a specific optical characteristic, for example reflection characteristic and/or fluorescence characteristics and/or phosphorescence characteristics, which can be recognised by a sensor. The identification is provided on this surface area on the film, which is provided on the base element and/or the membrane. Preferably, the film with the identification, the base element and/or the membrane has at least two areas which differ in der optical characteristics, for example the reflection characteristics and/or fluorescence characteristics and/or phosphorescence characteristics.

The identification can be, for example, an optically distinguishable material, for example a fluorescing and/or phosphorescing substance. Furthermore, the identification can be in the form of a metallic layer or ferrous metallic layer of in the form of metallic or ferrous metallic stripes.

A fluorescing substance within the meaning of the invention consists of at least one molecule, with at least one electron, that is excited by electromagnetic radiation, preferably detached from its orbit and raised into a preferably empty, unoccupied orbit with higher energy content. This excited state is usually unstable, so that the electron reverts back to its original orbit and its energy is at least partially liberated in the form of electromagnetic radiation. This released electromagnetic radiation is preferably of longer wavelength than the excited electromagnetic radiation. When an identification is based on a fluorescing substance, the sensor receives the released radiation and a compares the profile and/or the intensity of this radiation with a stored profile. If these are at least partly identical, the connected control system recognises that it is a portion capsule and not a cleaning capsule and releases the machine. Alternatively or additionally, the control system detects what sort of portion capsule is involved, for example tea, coffee, milk or the like, and controls the machine accordingly. Preferably, the released radiation has at least one, particularly preferably a number of maxima. The sensor for the connected control system then checks whether at least one of these maximum of this present in the released radiation.

A phosphorescing substance within the meaning of the invention consists of at least one molecule, with at least one electron, that is excited by electromagnetic radiation, preferably detached from its orbit and raised into a preferably empty, unoccupied orbit with higher energy content. This excited state is usually unstable, so that the electron reverts back to its original orbit and its energy is at least partially liberated in the form of electromagnetic radiation. This released electromagnetic radiation is preferably of longer wavelength than the excited electromagnetic radiation. With a phosphorescing substance, the emission of radiation does not end with the end of the radiation, however, but decays over a longer period than is the case with fluorescence. When an identification is based on a phosphorescing substance, a sensor which is provided in or on the machine receives the released radiation and a connected control system compares this released radiation and a connected control system compares this decay profile with a stored decay profile or profile section. Preferably, the intensity of this radiation, in particular at a specific frequency, is compared with the stored decay profile and/or a specific value. If these are at least partly identical, the control system recognises that it is a portion capsule and not a cleaning capsule and releases the machine. Alternatively or additionally, the control system detects what sort of portion capsule is involved, for example tea, coffee, milk or the like, and controls the machine accordingly. The sensor or the connected control system checks the time period over which the original intensity of radiation has decayed by a specific percentage and compares the measured value with a stored value. Alternatively or additionally, it checks the level of intensity of radiation, in particular at a specific frequency, after a specific time and compares this value with a stored value. If the stored value corresponds to the measured value, the control system releases the machine or selects a specific preparation program for the respective beverage or food. If the value does not correspond, the machine can only be put into operation under certain conditions, since a cleaning capsule could be involved.

The fluorescing and/or phosphorescing substance is irradiated with a specific electromagnetic radiation and during and/or after the radiation has been switched off, the fluorescence and/or phosphorescence is measured. The radiation can be at one wavelength or several wavelengths. The radiation can comprise one or a plurality of sources which are used simultaneously or successively.

One or a plurality of sensors can analyse the radiation emitted by the fluorescing and/or phosphorescing substance. The sensor is preferably provided in the machine for example in its brewing chamber or in the area of the insertion chute.

These substance is applied, for example is printed, on to the base element or the membrane or on to a foil layer of the base element or the membrane. The substrate for the identification preferably has an FDA approval.

Furthermore, the membrane and/or the base element can have a decorative print. This decorative print can be provided in front of or behind the substance of the identification, with respect to the visible side of the portion capsule.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the identification is a machine-readable imprint. This imprint is preferably made with an ink that is approved in the foodstuffs sector. Fluorescing materials are preferred as print materials, or print materials whose optical characteristics vary under the effect of temperature. Preferably the imprint is a barcode, a logo or a repeating pattern.

In a further, preferred embodiment, the identification is an electrically conducting area, which is provided on or in the film, the base element and all the membrane. This electrically conducting area effects a measurable change in a circuit that is always connected, which then leads to the recognition of the respective portion capsule and/or electrical conducting area is detected by a sensor. For differentiation of the respective portion capsules, the film/foil and/or the applied medium can have a different conductivity which is detected by the sensor, for example an ohmmeter.

In a further preferred embodiment, the identification is a magnetic, in particular ferromagnetic area, which is provided on the film or is applied to the base element or the membrane.

In a further preferred embodiment, the identification is an RFID (Radio frequency identification). This RFID is provided on the membrane or on the base element, in particular attached, particularly preferably bonded to it. Preferably the RFID is a printed RFID. This RFID can be provided on the base element or the membrane, in particular imprinted. The RFID, in particular the printed RFID, is preferably located between two layers of the foil of the base element and/or the membrane and/or a foil, which is provided on the outside ocean capsule. Preferably, this identification is provided on the flange of the base element in particular on the side remote from the membrane. Preferably the RFID is provided on a ring-shaped material segment, in particular foil segment that is bonded to the flange of the base element. This bond can be made by sealing or adhesive bonding. However, a positive locking fit is possible between the material segment and the base element. The RFID can also have a circular and/or ring-shaped form on the outside of the membrane and/or in the membrane, however.

In a preferred embodiment, the bond is made between the material segment on which the RFID is provided, during deep drawing of the base element, in which the material segment is either simultaneously, previously or subsequently fastened, preferably sealed, to the base element or the material from which the base element is made. Alternatively, the bond between the material on which the RFID is provided and a further foil layer is made by lamination.

Preferably, the RFID is provided on a plastic foil and is cut out, preferably stamped from it. For example, a ring-shaped segment is detached from the foil. The RFID can have previously been laminated and/or imprinted on the plastic foil.

Preferably, the RFID is applied on the inside of the portion capsule simultaneously with a decorative print, alternatively before or after application of the decorative print.

In a preferred embodiment, the identification is obtained with the pigment, for example a colour pigment and/or fluorescence pigment and/or phosphorescence pigment, which is provided in all on the film or on the outside of the base element or the membrane.

Preferably, the identification is a substance which can be activated or changed, for example, by energy input.

With the portion capsule according to the invention, it is possible to prevent a beverage being produced accidentally with a cleaning capsule. Furthermore, with the aid of the identification, it is possible for the machine to detect what type of capsule is in its brewing chamber and to adjust the beverage or food production process accordingly, i.e. the quantity of water, for example, its pressure and/or its temperature.

According to a preferred subject of the present invention, a weak portion is provided in the bottom area by removal of material, for example by means of a laser. This weak portion is provided particularly in the area of the bottom which is pierced by a spike for production of the beverage. Because the foil is weakened in the area of the spike, for example by removal of material by means of a laser, the force required to place the foil is smaller. The spike of a corresponding coffee machine can have a force limitation device, for example in the form of a spring, with which the force with which the spike can press against the bottom of the portion capsule is restricted. This avoids the possibility of capsules which do not have an appropriate weakened portion being used in a corresponding coffee machine.

According to a preferred subject of the present invention, the portion capsule has a rim area, which is preferably provided on the base element. Preferably, the rim is provided on the region of the base element opposite to the bottom. A membrane, for example, can be arranged on this rim area for sealing the base element, after the raw material has been put in the portion capsule. However, the rim can also be used to guide the capsule into the insertion chute, so that it falls into a quite specific position in the brewing chamber or the brewing chamber is supplied in a quite specific position. At the same time, the rim area can act as stop and/or sealing face.

A further preferred subject of the present invention is a portion capsule for production of a beverage, having an essentially truncated cone-shaped or cylindrical base element, which has a cavity to accommodate a beverage raw material and a membrane sealing the cavity, wherein the base element has a wall area and the base element further has a bottom area on the side of the portion capsule remote from the membrane, wherein the wall area has a plurality of grooves and the grooves are provided running between the membrane and the bottom area over at least a part of the height of the wall area and in particular are provided parallel to one another and parallel to the bottom area. These grooves preferably improved the bond between the portion capsule and the film which has the identification.

Compared with the portion capsule according to the prior art, this portion capsule has the advantage, for example, that the wall area of the base element is stiffened by the plurality of grooves. This firstly has the advantage that the portion capsule has a higher mechanical stability and thus deformation and in particular lateral buckling of the portion capsule is prevented. A further advantage of the portion capsule according to the invention is that, because of the arrangement of grooves in the wall area of base element, it performs better when the extraction liquid flows through it in the brewing chamber because, due to the arrangement of grooves, in particular their course between the membrane and the bottom area over at least part of the height of the wall area, it is possible to increase the quality and reliability of the extraction process significantly. In particular, it is advantageously possible according to the invention to reduce the thickness of the material of the base element overall due to the increase of mechanical stability by the use of the plurality of grooves. The production of the portion capsule is thus substantially more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. On the other hand, due to the plurality of the grooves, adherence of the wall area to the brewing chamber wall in the brewing chamber is reduced or avoided, favouring the ejection or removal of a portion capsule from the brewing chamber. A further advantage of the plurality of grooves is that the flow of extraction liquid within the cavity along the bottom area can be optimised by the groove structure in the wall area so that, by design of the group structure, a better or stronger turbulence of the extraction liquid in the cavity or a more uniform (laminar) flow of the extraction liquid results or can be realised by simple means. A stronger turbulence of the extraction liquid in the cavity, in comparison with the prior art, has the advantage that no unwanted and random main liquid streams are formed through the bed of beverage raw material but instead flow through the whole volume of the beverage raw material. Consequently, the extraction process is substantially more efficient and can be controlled precisely and reproducibly.

The beverage raw material comprises in particular coffee powder (preferably milled roasted coffee), chocolate powder, milk powder, tea or the like. Alternatively, it is possible for the beverage raw material to comprise a beverage extract, such as instant coffee.

Preferably, the base element has a step, which particularly preferably is connected to a flange, wherein the base element has a larger diameter in the area of the step down in the wall area between the step and the bottom area. Due to this, there is advantageously a particular simple and robust possibility that the portion capsules are stackable or the base element of the portion capsules is stackable.

Furthermore, according to the invention it is also preferably provided that a filter element is arranged within the cavity, subdividing the cavity into a first zone for arrangement of the beverage raw material and into a second zone to accommodate a beverage extract, wherein the filter element comprises a fleece material and/or a felt material.

A further subject of the present invention is the use of a portion capsule in accordance with the invention for production of a hot beverage.

The disclosure made on this subject of the present invention applies equally to other subjects of the present invention and vice-versa.

A further subject of the present invention is a method for manufacture of the portion capsule according to the invention, in which the film which has the identification is pushed as a ring over the base element or the film is wound around the base element and is then attached to this.

The disclosure made on this subject of the present invention applies equally to other subjects of the present invention and vice-versa.

A still further subject of the present invention is a method for manufacture of a portion capsule, in which the film which has the identification is attached to the base element during deep drawing or injection, in particular plastic injection of the base element.

The disclosure made on this subject of the present invention applies equally to other subjects of the present invention and vice-versa.

Preferably, the film, in particular in the form of a ring, is inserted in a cavity of a deep drawing tool with which the base element is subsequently deep-drawn. Alternatively, the film is inserted in to a die, into which the material of the base element is injected. During curing of the material, the film is bonded to the material, of the base element, in particular by material bond. Alternatively or in addition, the film is thereby shrunk on.

Preferably, the film is provided as a closed ring and, particularly preferably, shrunk on to the base element.

Preferably, the film is provided as tubing.

Preferably, the film is sealed on or adhesively bonded to the base element.

Preferably, the film has ends, which are joined together. This can take place before or after attachment to the base element.

A further subject of the present invention which is preferred or according to the invention, is a method for manufacture of a portion capsule, in which the identification is provided on the membrane or, following deep drawing or injection, on the outside of the base element.

The disclosure made on this subject of the present invention applies equally to other subjects of the present invention and vice-versa.

Preferably, the identification is applied to the membrane or the base element, for example sprayed on or laid on.

Alternatively or in addition, the identification is added to the portion capsule or the foil by energy input, in particular with a laser and/or by exposure to light. Material can thereby be removed from the foil, the membrane or the portion capsule and/or its optical, mechanical or other physical characteristics can be varied.

Preferably, the base element and/or the membrane are rotated for provision of the identification. It is particularly preferable for the base element to be rotated in the deep drawing die or injection die.

Preferably, the application of the identification is carried out with a plurality of nozzles, which can be provided, for example, in the deep drawing tool or injection tool.

A still further or preferred subject of the present invention is a method in which the identification is applied, in particular printed, after sealing of the portion capsule, on the base element and/or the membrane or foil layer of the membrane or the base element.

In the following, the invention is explained with the aid of FIGS. 1-5. These explanations do not restrict the general inventive concepts. The explanations are equally applicable to all subjects of the present invention.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a portion capsule, on which a foil with an identification is arranged.

FIG. 3 shows a foil ring as tubing.

FIG. 4 shows a foil ring, whose ends are joined together.

FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of a portion capsule in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a portion capsule 1, which comprises a base element 2 with a wall 2.1 and a bottom area 2.2. The wall 2.1 and the bottom 2.2 define a cavity, in which a beverage raw material and, where required, an insert element can be provided. After filling, this cavity is sealed by a membrane 4, which is preferably attached to the peripheral area 2.3 of the base element, for example by sealing or adhesive bonding. This coffee capsule is introduced into a brewing chamber, in which liquid, for example water, flows through it. As it does, the beverage raw material is extracted or dissolved and the desired beverage is thereby produced. According to the invention, this portion capsule now has an identification, with which it can be established whether the respective portion capsule is suitable or producing a beverage or food. If this is not the case, significant health problems can result. For example, by using a cleaning capsule, a watery solution that is unpalatable for the user can be produced. This must be avoided. According to the invention, the identification 7 is provided on a film 6, in particular a plastic foil, which, after the portion capsule has been formed, is attached to the base element 2 of the portion capsule, as the arrow 5 shows. In the present case, the identification 7 has at least one, preferably two stripes, which differ in their optical characteristics from the material of the film and/or from the material of the base element of the portion capsule. For example, the identification has a different colour or other light reflection characteristics from at least one of the two materials and/or the area 8 between two identifications 7. Preferably, the film 6 extends around the complete circumference of the base element. Particularly preferably, each identification 7 extends around the complete outer circumference of the film/film ring. However, it is preferable that neither the film nor the identification extends over the whole length of the base element of the portion capsule. After the film has been provided in the area of the base element, it is attached to it, for example shrunk on by heating, or is wound around the base element and thereby and/or subsequently attached to it. The identification can be applied to the film or be provided as part of the film, i.e. attached to it inseparably. The person skilled in the art will recognise that the identification shown in FIG. 2 can also be made by application of ink, by one or a plurality of nozzles located in the deep-drawing die on the circumference of the base element of the portion capsule and/or by rotating the portion capsule during application.

It can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 that the film is made available as tubing, which can be cut to the required length (FIG. 3). The identification is preferably applied to the film or the film is made from two materials, wherein one shows the identification, for example another colour. Alternatively the ends 6.1, 6.2 of the film are joined together after manufacture. This can be carried out before the film is attached to the base element, during attachment or after attachment. However, the ends 6.1, 6.2 can also be arranged edge-to-edge or at a distance from one another.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the portion capsule according to the invention in a side view and a bottom view. In the present case, the identification 7 is provided on the underside 2.3.1 of the rim/flange of the portion capsule, for example an application, in particular an ink application. The underside is the side facing the bottom or the side of the rim remote from the membrane. The ink application extends in a circular ring. When the portion capsule is inserted in the shaft of a beverage machine, it is guided by the rim and held in its position, in which the membrane 4 is essentially vertical, for example. A sensor, for example, can be arranged in the shaft, recognising the identification and putting the machine into operation or not on recognition. A ring-shaped identification has the advantage that the portion capsule need not be inserted in the shaft in a specific orientation. However, the identification 7 can also be an RFID, which is preferably provided as a circular segment. This circular segment is preferably cut or stamped out of a plastic foil. The RFID can be laminated and/or printed on this plastic foil. The bond between the plastic foil and the RFID is preferably made by sealing or adhesive bonding, particularly preferably during the deep-drawing of the base element 2. However, the RFID can also be printed on.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

-   1 Portion capsule -   2 Base element -   2.1 Wall -   2.2 Bottom area -   2.3 Rim area, flange -   2.3.1 Underside of the rim area, the side of the rim area remote     from the membrane -   3 Cavity -   4 Membrane -   5 Relative movement -   6 Ring, film ring -   6.1 End of the ring -   6.2 End of the ring -   7 Identification, ink ring, barcode -   8 Area next to an identification 

1. Portion capsule (1) for producing a beverage with a deep-drawn base element (2), having a cavity (3) in which a beverage raw material is provided which is fastened on the base element, wherein it has an identification (5), which enables the respective portion capsule to be individualised, characterised in that the identification is provided on a closed film ring (6), which is attached to the outer circumference of the base element, wherein the identification of the film extends around the whole outer periphery of the film ring but not over the whole length of the base element.
 2. Portion capsule (1) in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the bond is made as one or more of being force fit, positive locking fit and material closure.
 3. Portion capsule (1) in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the identification (7) is applied to the external surface of the base element (2) or a membrane (4) or between two foil layers of one or both of the membrane and the base element.
 4. Portion capsule (1) in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that it has one or both of a peripheral area and flange (2.3), which is provided on the base element (2).
 5. Portion capsule (1) in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the identification comprises at least one surface area (5, 6) with one or more of a specific reflection characteristic, fluorescence characteristic, and phosphorescence characteristic.
 6. Portion capsule (1) in accordance with patent claim 1, characterised in that the identification is a machine-readable imprint (9).
 7. Portion capsule (1) in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the identification is an electrically conductive area (10).
 8. Portion capsule (1) in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the identification is a metallic area (11).
 9. Portion capsule (1) in accordance with patent claim 1, characterised in that the identification is a ferromagnetic area (12).
 10. Portion capsule (1) in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the identification is a barcode (17).
 11. Portion capsule in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the identification is an RFID.
 12. Portion capsule (1) in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that a filter element is arranged inside the cavity (3), subdividing the cavity (3) into a first zone (8) to accommodate the beverage raw material and into a second zone (9) to accommodate a beverage extract.
 13. Portion capsule (1) in accordance with claim 12, characterised in that the filter element (5) comprises a non-woven material.
 14. Use of a portion capsule (1) in accordance with claim 1 to produce a hot beverage.
 15. Method for manufacture of a portion capsule in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the film (6) as a ring is pushed over the base element or that the film (6) is wound around the base element (2) and the film (6) is attached to it during deep-drawing or injection of the base element (2).
 16. Method in accordance with claim 15, characterised in that the film (6) is inserted, in particular as a ring, in a cavity of a deep drawing tool, with which the base element is then deep drawn.
 17. Method in accordance with claim 15, characterised in that the film (6) is shrunk onto the base element (2).
 18. Method in accordance with claim 15, characterised in that the film (6) is sealed on or adhesively bonded to the base element.
 19. Method in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the film (6) has ends (6.1, 6.2), which are bonded to one other.
 20. Method in accordance with claim 15, characterised in that the film is made available as tubing.
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